It's fair to say that in recent times, loving local has become the way to go. Home-grown, home-made, home-spun – it just makes sense and feels more important than ever.
It's the same with art and, open right now, is a very special art prize that gets to the very heart of local: the Local Artists – Local Content 2021 Art Prize.
In its seventh year, the Friends Regional Gallery, Caloundra, in partnership with the Caloundra Regional Gallery, is inviting artists to submit 2D and 3D works that speak to what makes our region special.
As a reward, a total prize package of $13,500 and regional exposure, is on offer.
Open to any artist living on the Sunshine Coast, the Prize attracts hundreds of entries each year. Only the top 40 finalists – the best of the best – will be selected to go on exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery from 19 March to 2 May 2021.
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said once again this is such an important opportunity to showcase our outstanding local artists.
"Each year I really enjoy the anticipation of seeing the new artworks produced by an exceptional pool of talent we have right here on the Sunshine Coast," Cr Baberowski said.
"For the artists, this is not just a competition with a prize pool, it's a reason to show or produce new work, which can push them into new subjects techniques or form; they are acutely aware it's a competitive show case of talent and has high curatorial standards. Those standards are a healthy pressure on everyone involved.
"The artists also deeply understand the value of being included in a regional gallery showcase exhibition with the high reputation that Caloundra is continuing to build upon.
Our developing art scene is increasingly valuable to our cultural identity, our economy, our environment and I applaud the Friends, Regional Gallery, Caloundra Inc. for continuing to make such a heartfelt contribution to the Sunshine Coast."
Entries for the Local Artists – Local Content Art Prize 2021 are open until 15 January 2021, with finalists announced early February.
Entries in the Local Artists – Local Content 2021 Art Prize are eligible to be considered for:
• Best of Show: $5000 prize, sponsored by Mary Henzell Investments Pty Ltd
• Excellence Award: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark and Judy McArdle
• Excellence Award: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark and Judy McArdle
• Excellence Award: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark and Judy McArdle and Friends, Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc.
• Best Three-Dimensional: $2000 prize, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
• People's Choice Award: $500 prize, sponsored by Geoff Lyons Solicitors Pty Ltd
To be considered for selection, entrants must comply with all entry instructions and conditions.
Previous winners can be found at https://gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Art-Prizes/Local-Artists-Local-Content/Previous-Winners
